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The largest town in Carmarthenshire emerged along the Lougher River in southern Wales. Llanelli was recognized in the 1300s as a borough and remained a small fishing port for centuries. Thomas Stepney acquired property here in the early 1700s and established Llanelli House. During this era, coal mining began. In 1767, the Reverend James Buckley decided to go into the brewing business and purchased an existing business, renaming it Buckley’s Brewery.
By the turn of the century, the population exceeded 2,000. Mine owners constructed a horse drawn wagon and tram system, which delivered coal from the fields to the port.
By the middle of the 1800s a tinplating industry developed. A quarter of a century later and iron foundry emerged. Buckley’s Brewery became Felinfoel Brewery in 1878. Railways increased export and brought migrants to the community. Steelworks industries began in 1898. The industrial boom made Llanelli the centre for copper, lead and tinplate mining. Industrialization also produced thousands of jobs and by 1901 the population soared to over 25,000. The amount of tinplating created in the community earned Llanelli the nickname “Tinopolis. “
Protesting wages and working conditions, disgruntled miners decided to strike in 1911. Workers walked off their jobs and 1500 people blocked railway crossings.
Magistrates appealed to Winston Churchill who sent 700 soldiers to maintain order. The workers attempted to stop a train leaving Llanelli station when the military intervened. Protesters yelled insults and threw rocks and other debris at soldiers. In self-defence, the troops fired into the crowd, killing two unarmed civilians. Though the strike resolved, citizens rioted over the deaths of innocent people, demanding justice.
Peace eventually returned to Llanelli. The mines and docks closed by 1951, but tinplating and steelworks industries continue in Llanelli today.
Activities and Attractions
Whether wanting to stroll along the beach, lie in the sun or go camping, the parks around Llanelli provide various possibilities for outdoor recreation.
Pembrey Country Park has paved cycling and biking paths travelling varied lengths. Encompassing over 200 acres, visitors find many activities within the vicinity including miniature railways and adventure play areas along with hills for dry skiing or tobogganing. Guests also have the option of taking horseback tours through the forests.
Millennium Coastal Park has over 13 miles (22km) of scenic coastline for fishing, sailing or surfing in addition to traffic free cycling and footpaths, and a championship golf course.
For a glimpse into the history and industrial background of Llanelli, guests visit the Parc Howard Museum and Art Gallery. The 1885 mansion that houses the museum once belonged to the Reverend Buckley, who established a brewery in Llanelli. Thomas Stepney was one of the first individuals who developed the concept of spare wheels for automobiles. The facility tells the story of this modern invention. Besides industrial exhibits, Parc Howard displays a large collection of colourful Llanelli pottery and contains a gallery showcasing paintings.
Places to Stay and Dining
Enjoy a luxurious stay at renovated country estates located in the hills around Llanelli. Unwind at the end of the day in the spa or watch a movie on the large flat screen TV provided in each room. Have meals prepared by award winning chefs and try traditional Welsh ales and coffees.
Chefs at the Verandah Restaurant prepare a variety of European and Indian cuisines. Have a sizzling steak with salad and chips or try Tandoori chicken baked with butter and cream with tomatoes and specially blended spices.
Accommodation in Llanelli
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